The Actress

I stand in the wings 

& wait with baited breath
I wonder if when I step out 

my lines will die a death

Then suddenly I hear my cue 

& on the stage I stride
I move to where the director chose 

& hope my nerves will hide

My heart pounds, my palms are wet

my mouth is awfully dry
at that very moment

I feel like I might cry

Adrenaline pumps, my memory jolts 

the dialogue starts to flow 

it's only then I calm myself 

& start enjoy being in the show

Pretty soon the play is over 

I bend to take a bow
the audience clap, the curtain drops 

I think what happens now

Then I suddenly remember 

& I'm wracked with fear & fright
there are many more performances 

that was only the first night!